Category: NSW News

Premier Dominic Perrottet today said the NSW Government would offer its full support to the recommendations of the review by Elizabeth Broderick AO into bullying, harassment and sexual assault in NSW Parliament, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to make NSW Parliament a safe workplace for every person who works there.

The review was commissioned by the NSW Parliament and released today by the Presiding Officers.

“This review shines a light on a confronting reality, and I thank all the survivors whose bravery in participating will make our Parliament a safer place,” Mr Perrottet said.

“As Australia’s oldest Parliament, we must lead by example, and it is incumbent on every MP, every parliamentary office holder, and every party to do their part to make sure the incidents detailed in this report do not occur again.”

Mr Perrottet said the Government’s recent actions demonstrated its zero-tolerance approach to bullying, harassment and sexual assault.

“We have already taken action within Ministerial workplaces to implement the recommendations of a similar review conducted earlier this year, and we will fully support the Parliament in implementing the recommendations of this report too,” Mr Perrottet said.

Minister for Women and Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said this has been an important process for people to tell their stories and shine a light on unacceptable behaviour in the workplace.

“It is imperative that all workplaces, particularly Parliament, are held to the highest standard and ensure all employees feel safe, supported and heard,” Mrs Taylor said.

“My very strong message to those who don’t respect decency in this workplace is – your behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

As with similar reviews, the Broderick review reiterates the importance of rigorous and confidential processes to ensure complainants are confident to speak up, and are not silenced by fear.

Mr Perrottet said the NSW Government is committed to working with our parliamentary colleagues to ensure NSW Parliament is a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who works or visits. There is no place for bullying, harassment, or other misconduct – it cannot and will not be tolerated.

“We thank Ms. Broderick for her work in giving survivors a voice, and I look forward to working with Parliament’s presiding officers to put her recommendations into action,” Mr Perrottet said.

The NSW Government today introduced the Workers Compensation (Dust Diseases) Amendment Bill 2022 to support the operation of the Dust Diseases Care Scheme.
 
The Scheme provides financial compensation and health care support to people affected by work related dust diseases. If passed, the Bill will simplify benefit calculations to ease the administrative burden on injured workers and their families.
 
The amendments will remove anomalies in historical legislation that could have given rise to inconsistencies in the calculation of benefits for injured workers. The changes will mean that all current benefit rates are protected and there is no reduction in entitlements.
 
Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said the amendments will support the Dust Disease Authority to deliver the Scheme effectively.
 
“The passing of these amendments will contribute to improving the customer experience for workers in the Scheme by removing any potential ambiguity over their entitlements and simplify the calculation of benefits for historical claims.” Mr Tudehope said.
 
The introduction of this Bill was brought forward in the same week that the NSW Government passed the Workers’ Compensation (Dust Diseases) Amendment (Scheduled Diseases) Regulation 2022 (Regulation).
 
The Regulation ensures the expansion of the Schedule 1 list of diseases as recommended by an independent review conducted by Professor Tim Driscoll.
 
These diseases are based on a current, evidence-based understanding of work-related dust disease and include the following:
 

• Diffuse dust-related pulmonary fibrosis
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• Pneumoconiosis (any form)
• Silica-induced carcinoma of the lung
• Systemic sclerosis 

 
“Developments in the protection of workers within the workers compensation scheme represent another important step to expanding and safeguarding support for injured workers,    
   
“This is an effort to modernise the Scheme with the interests of those who are gravely ill at the heart of these changes.”

New, higher paid roles for outstanding teachers could be introduced in NSW under ground-breaking plans being driven by leading educational expert Professor John Hattie. 

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said creating a stronger career path for classroom teachers which better rewards excellence in teaching is key to modernising our education system.  

“NSW has some of the best teachers in the world, but they often leave the classroom and move into management roles to secure higher pay and career progression,” Ms Mitchell said.  

“The structure of our teaching profession should reflect our teachers, by being innovative, ambitious and modern, keeping more of our best teachers in the classroom.  

“This model is not ‘performance pay,’ this is about expanding the career options for teachers and keeping our best in the classroom.”  

Newly graduated teachers in NSW start on a competitive annual salary of $73,737, which sees them out-earn graduates entering many other professions. A classroom teacher’s pay reaches a maximum of $117,060 if they gain accreditation as Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher, or $126,528 if they take on additional responsibilities as an Assistant Principal.  

A better system for rewarding and retaining excellent teachers could also help attract more people to teaching profession. 

The Department of Education will produce a policy paper on the issue with initial recommendations later this year.  

Professor John Hattie, a world-leading expert on education outcomes and student learning, is providing independent expert advice on the reform.  

“The rewarding of excellence and expertise is the right topic to realise high standards and maximise positive impacts on students,” Professor Hattie said.  

“It is exciting to be part of these NSW discussions and I look forward to hearing the views of the profession.”  

The paper will also draw on input from some of the most experienced educators in our public education system. 

The Government will carry out extensive public consultation, including with teachers, parents and other stakeholders, before implementing any changes.  

Nine schools across NSW are trialling the benefits of extending the school day as part of a research pilot, with initial reports indicating positive experiences for schools, students and their families.
 
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell was at Kings Langley Public School today, where students are taking part in the flexible school hours trial with Cricket NSW.
 
Students at the school in North West Sydney can now access a range of extracurricular activities including fitness and breakfast programs before school, as well afternoon sessions of coding, dancing and Mandarin language lessons.
 
Ms Mitchell said the NSW Government is committed to providing parents with flexibility and delivering quality activities for kids at school outside the standard 9am to 3pm school day.
 
“The trial is now in its second week and already has seen more than 450 students take part in high quality extracurricular activities,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
“Principals, teachers and parents are telling us that children are excited about the new experiences available, while parents are also enjoying more flexibility balancing work and family life while knowing their children are positively engaged in a safe environment.
 
“Over the next two terms, this research pilot and insights from wider parental consultation will help inform how this flexible approach could be introduced across NSW schools.”
 
“More than 27 organisations such as Cricket NSW, NRL League Stars, Code Camp and PCYC have signed up to partner with us in this flexible school hours trial,
“It’s great to see so many providers on board, creating exciting opportunities for students that previously they may not have been able to access.
“The trial has also provided parents with more options and greater flexibility when choosing the most suitable after school activity for their child.”
The other schools involved in the trial are:
 
Cawdor Public School
Hanwood Public School
Hastings Secondary College (Westport Campus and Port Macquarie Campus)
Kentlyn Public School
Matraville Soldier’s Settlement Public School
Orange High School
Ruse Public School
Spring Hill Public School
 
Schools involved in the trial, taking place in Terms 3 and 4 of this school year, worked closely with their local communities to develop unique programs tailored to the needs of their families.

Hundreds of local organisations in West and South West Sydney are now competing for a share of $1.6 billion under the WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round.

Treasurer Matt Kean said organisations from Burwood to the Blue Mountains, and Wollondilly to the Hawkesbury stepped up in numbers with ideas for city-shaping infrastructure projects.

“We’ve received an overwhelming response with almost 680 projects worth $7.8 billion submitted for assessment,” Mr Kean said.

“The majority of projects sought funding to make local communities in West and South West Sydney even better places to live with open and green spaces.”

WestInvest funding was available to Aboriginal groups, sporting groups, multicultural groups, volunteer groups and many more based in 15 eligible local council areas.

A breakdown of the applications in the WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round shows:

• Almost 680 projects have been submitted for assessment
• 325 applications related to green and open space projects
• 270 applications related to community infrastructure projects
• 180 groups applied for projects worth $1 million and under
• 296 groups applied for projects worth over $1 million and under $10 million
• 201 groups applied for projects worth over $10 million

The 15 eligible local councils also submitted 71 projects under the WestInvest Community Project Grants – Local Government Allocation, which awarded each council a share of $400 million in funding, based on population size.

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said councils are at the heart of every community.

“WestInvest is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will celebrate and improve local communities for generations to come,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“The 15 local councils of Western Sydney have submitted some fantastic ideas for consideration, and I’m really looking forward to seeing some of these projects come to life, to invigorate their local precincts and facilities for their residents.”

All applications will now go through a comprehensive assessment process, with the successful projects expected to be announced in the Local Government Allocation from September and the Competitive Round later this year.

The project proposals include:

• Transforming city centres and precincts to celebrate community, food and culture;
• Creating safer cycling paths, pedestrian links and walking tracks to promote healthier lifestyles and allow more families to walk to school;
• Upgrading and modernising community facilities and libraries; and
• Building new pools, sports fields, playgrounds, youth centers, multicultural centres and leisure and fitness centres.

The $5 billion WestInvest program also includes $3 billion to deliver transformational projects that will benefit local communities, led by NSW Government agencies.

The Budget committed $478.2 million from the $3 billion fund to modernise and upgrade nine public schools. Further projects funded under the WestInvest NSW Government allocation will be announced later this year.

To find out more about WestInvest visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest

The NSW Government will trial new technology to reduce the risk of level crossing collisions between trains and vehicles in the bush.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the government will fund trials of innovative signs with LED flashing lights at level crossings in Narromine and Bribbaree, to improve awareness and safety.
 
“There are more than 2700 road level crossings on the NSW rail network and we want to improve safety in country areas where there is less visibility,” Mr Dominello said. 
 
“Contracts have been signed with ARCGS at Bribbaree and Sage Automation at Narromine to install new level crossing signs and the detailed design work is underway.
 
“Level crossing crashes devastate families and communities which is why we want to use innovation and technology to help save lives.”
 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the government had listened to concerns raised through the community petition led by Maddie Bott.
 
“Sixty-eight per cent of public road crossings use only stop and give way signs to warn about the presence of a level crossing and the need to stop to look for trains,” Mr Farraway said.
 
“Transport for NSW has developed a new strategic direction to help fast track improvements at level crossings which will involve trialling the use of new technology.
 
“On top of this we have reduced speed limits to 80km per hour at more than 50 level crossings across regional NSW as part of the Level Crossing Speed Zone Reduction Program.
 
“We know a lot of crashes at level crossings occur where the road speed limit is 100km an hour or greater, so reducing the speed limit gives drivers more time to see the level crossing ahead and stop for oncoming trains.”
 
TrackSAFE Foundation’s Executive Director Heather Neil said TrackSAFE welcomed today’s announcement from the NSW Government.
“NSW has thousands of level crossings and new technology will play an important part in improving safety,” Ms Neil said.
“This week is Rail Safety Week, and we remind travellers, pedestrians, commuters and rail workers that they can all play an active role in rail safety. And we urge the Australian community to Stay Rail Safe.”
ARCS Commercial Director Phil Lock said they are very excited to be partnering with the NSW Government and delivering innovative technology to improve safety for regional communities. 
 
“I’m looking forward to working with government to develop technology that could potentially save more lives in country communities,” Mr Lock said.
 
SAGE Automation Smart Cities Lead Ashby Martin echoed these sentiments.
 
“SAGE is passionate about developing new systems to improve road safety in partnership with Transport for NSW and the NSW Government,” Mr Martin said.
 
The trial is funded through the Digital Restart Fund and will commence later this year and the data collected will be used to determine the effectiveness of the new technology.
 
The trial will commence later this year and the data collected will be used to determine the effectiveness of the new technology.
 
The trial in Narromine will evaluate the effectiveness of a stop sign with LED warning lighting. The Bribbaree trial will also monitor the effectiveness of stop signs with LED warning lights and LED streetlights.
 
For more information on safety at level crossings, visit:
https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/level-crossings/index.html  

Young people will be supported and encouraged to study at university, upskill and pursue entrepreneurship through innovative new projects that aim to enhance educational outcomes and break down barriers to university study.
 
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said four projects will receive a share of the $1.75 million NSW Government Collaboration and Innovation Fund, which focuses on supporting innovation and addressing challenges to partnerships within the university sector.
 
“These grants will help break down barriers that prevent people who want to study at our world class universities and will drive innovative new projects in collaboration with the university sector,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“Projects funded through this round of the program include workshops to encourage high school students to explore technology entrepreneurships and toolkits to help regional and culturally and linguistically diverse students bridge the skills gap between school and university.”
 
Projects funded through the Collaboration and Innovation Fund, include:
 

• Startup @ Schools (University of Technology Sydney and the University of Newcastle) with workshops to encourage Year 9 and 10 students to pursue technology-enabled entrepreneurship as a career;
• Teachers Aide Pathway (Charles Sturt University, TAFE NSW and Regional Development Australia Orana)  to upskill teachers’ aides currently employed in NSW schools to become qualified teachers in regional communities;
• Start @ Uni (UNSW Sydney and The University of Sydney) for first-year regional and culturally and linguistically diverse students transitioning to university, which aims to address academic skills gaps between high school and university; and
• The Academy (University of New England and the Dhiiyaan Centre) preparing Aboriginal students for higher education from Year 8 through to tertiary enrolment via a curriculum that merges Aboriginal knowledge with science.

 
The Collaboration and Innovation Fund provides grants to support university projects that address education goals included in the NSW Higher Education Strategy.

People with lived experience of mental illness and their carers are helping shape the future of the Mental Health Line by sharing their experience with the NSW Government.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the 1800 011 511 NSW Mental Health Line was a free phone service which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering specialist advice, support and referral to specialist NSW Health mental health services.

“We want to ensure it continues to meet the mental health needs of our communities,” Mr Dominello said.

“Co-designing the Mental Health Line with people with lived experience of mental illness is the best way to ensure the next evolution continues to make a real difference to those who need it.

“Our aim to be the most customer-centric government by 2030 starts by learning from our customers’ experiences and needs.

“Recent Have Your Say consultations have helped us to better understand areas such as digital inclusion and digital identity, with these engagements generating new ideas for how we can better deliver services to the people of New South Wales.

“We encourage people to get involved in the Have Your Say consultation, whether they have experience using the Mental Health Line or may have not known about the service, we want to hear from all.”

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the events of the last few years have highlighted the importance and the need to invest in mental health services.

“The importance of health and specifically mental health in our society is evident, with the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing showing two in five Australians experience a mental health issue in their lifetime,” Mrs Taylor said.

“The Mental Health Line is an important service which helps people to access appropriate mental health services but there are always areas to improve.

“In 2020-21 around 864,000 Australians accessed at least one digital service for their mental health, but it is understood this represents only one in ten of those who experienced mental health distress.

“People need to be able to easily access services which can help them when they are at their most vulnerable. This is something we can and need to address.”

The NSW Government has allocated $2.2 billion across four years to invest into digital transformation projects through the DRF. The fund is administered by the Department of Customer Service and targets smart, simple technology solutions which create efficiencies for customers across the State. 

To Have Your Say on the future of the Mental Health Line, please visit: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/nsw-mhl-consultation  

The NSW Government will invest $5 million for an on-road Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Bus Trial to kick-start its plan to accelerate autonomous vehicles on NSW roads.
 
With driverless vehicles expected to commercially hit our streets in less than a decade, the Government’s new NSW CAV Readiness Strategy sets out the State’s pathway to ensure the road network is CAV-friendly in the future.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said he wanted NSW to be a world-leading adopter of CAV technologies to keep pace with the changing needs and expectations of customers.
 
“Vehicle connectivity and automation are game-changing technological innovations with the potential to sustainably transform the future mobility of people and goods,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“Globally, these technologies are advancing rapidly and already appearing in vehicles on the market today.
 
“We’re putting NSW in the front seat, with a Strategy and funding to back it up to prepare our road network, local industry, and the public for the roll out of this technology.”
 
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the CAV Readiness Strategy sets out a faster, easier and safer future for commuters across the state.
 
“The NSW Government is advancing new technology that will revolutionise the way we travel,” said Mrs Ward.
 
“The CAV Readiness Strategy outlines six priority areas focused on integrating this new technology into our transport system.
 
“This will include working within the national regulatory framework over the next five years, so we’re ready for the safe commercial deployment of CAVs in Australia.
 
“Getting ahead of the game will make it easier to upskill our transport staff so customers have a seamless service when it is officially on our roads.” 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said NSW had set several national and international firsts in autonomous vehicle technology including the world’s first fully automated shuttle service in a public setting through the Coffs Harbour Busbot trial.
“The NSW Government is ready to embark on another Australian first – by investing $5 million for an on-road CAV bus trial that will see CAV systems developed and tested on full-sized, passenger-carrying buses in NSW,” Mr Farraway said.
 
“Expressions of interest are open now, and Transport for NSW is calling on local and international technology leaders to partner with bus manufacturers and transport operators to deliver the trial of on-road connected and automated buses.
 
“This builds on what NSW has already achieved through autonomous shuttle trials, partnerships with local universities and investment in the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre at Cudal.
 
“This is big picture thinking – by putting NSW one step ahead it will bring investment opportunities, knowledge and better customer outcomes.”
 
The NSW CAV Readiness Strategy seeks to:

• Test and deploy CAVs on the road network
• Shape CAV policy, and customer outcomes
• Get the road network ready for CAVs
• Develop physical and digital CAV testing capabilities
• Support freight services automation
• Increase local CAV knowledge and skills

Aboriginal organisations across NSW will benefit from six new Cervical Screening Community Grants which will provide culturally responsive and targeted health promotion initiatives within Aboriginal communities.
 
The locally-led programs are aimed at boosting the number of Aboriginal women across the State who access cervical screening, reducing the impact of cervical cancer.Minister for Women, Regional Health and Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor said the grants are part of $114,350 in funding awarded to Local Health Districts and non-profit organisations through the Cancer Institute NSW to promote the National Cervical Screening Program.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are almost four-times more likely to die from cervical cancer than non-Aboriginal women and these grants work towards closing the gap,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and we know having a Cervical Screening Test every five years is now the best way to prevent it.
 
“By funding these grants, we are working to provide opportunities to educate local communities on the ground about the importance of cervical screening.”
 
Chief Cancer Officer for NSW and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien said locally led programs empower Aboriginal communities to address local needs and concerns and are critical in helping women understand the new screening options available to them.
 
“We know that the traditional Cervical Screening Test done by a health professional may create shame and fear for many,” Professor O’Brien said.
 
“The recent introduction of self-collection, which allows women to collect their own sample in private, will address a lot of the fear and shame that Aboriginal women have reported in the past.”
 
The NSW Cancer Plan 2022-2027 states that improving cancer outcomes for Aboriginal communities will assist with enhancing quality of life and experiences for people at risk of and/or affected by cancer.
 
The NSW Government is investing more than $170 million this financial year in improving cancer control through the Cancer Institute NSW.